Where does the word 'animal' came from?

Question

Where does the word 'animal' came from?

Answer 1

The word "animal" comes from the Latin word animale, neuter of animalis, and is derived from anima, meaning vital breath or soul.

Answer 2

Animal stems from animate (to move) and that stems from breathe.  Animals move and breathe as opposed to vegetation that vegetates.

Answer 3

from the zoo

Answer 4

The word "animal" comes from the Latin word animale, neuter of animalis, and is derived from anima, meaning vital breath or soul. In everyday colloquial usage, the word usually refers to non-human animals. The biological definition of the word refers to all members of the Kingdom Animalia. Therefore, when the word "animal" is used in a biological context, humans are included.

I hope it helps!! =]

--Mae Chan

Answer 5

Well, greek is based almost exactly on latin. Animal is actually Anima or Animus for "Animated" but if you don't trust me, visit the link in my sources box : )

Answer 6

ETYMOLOGY:

Middle English, from Latin, from animle, neuter of animlis, living, from anima, soul; see an- in Indo-European roots

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dic...

Edit:  Too many of you are stealing words without giving the proper credit to the author.  That's called plagiarism and it is illegal.

Answer 7

Latin word animale, neuter of animalis, and is derived from anima, meaning vital breath or soul

Answer 8

From the mouth of whoever said it first

Answer 9

Origin: 1300–50; Middle English  .derived from Latin noun (with loss of final vowel and shortening of ā) of animāle, neut. of animālis living, animate, equiv. to anim(a) air, breath + -ālis